JPH02265780A - Printer for web of recording member - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain a printer without necessity of opening at each of information printing by controlling a memory of new print data in a memory means for storing data representing the information to be printed in response to a user command in a predetermined time of a power rise of the printer, and then opening only once a bit map image of the semi-fixed information after initializing the printer. CONSTITUTION: Semi-fixed data represents information to be input into a set-up mode of a printer. Accordingly, a bit map image of the data may be once opened. During the mode, semi-fixed information is input by a keyboard 96 connected to a microprocessor 54 via an interface 56. When the information is input via the keyboard 96, the data representing the information is stored in a NVRAM 94. Thereafter, the fixed and semi-fixed information stored in the NVRAM 94 are opened in a static RAM 60.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a printer for printing information on a recording member web, and more particularly to a printer having a predetermined set-up time for inputting semi-fixed information; As a result, a bitmap image of semi-fixed information only needs to be created once after the printer's initial settings, and there is no need to create it every time information is printed, as is required for variable information. and
It also relates to a printer including a limited keyboard for generating control signals to which the printer's processor responds differently depending on the operating mode of the printer.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art Printers for printing information on labels and the like are conventionally known. Some of the information is fixed and does not change, while other information such as dates and fees are variable. To create a label, create a bitmap image of the information to be printed. Conventional printers treat all information that can change as variable information, even if this information changes infrequently. Every time a label is printed or some variable information is entered into the printer, all the variable information is removed from the printer, unless some of this variable information remains the same from label to label. However, it will be reopened. This is inefficient. Additionally, conventional printers typically have fully alphanumeric keyboards (or keypads) for entering data and commands, but such keyboards are expensive and require a large amount of space. Such keyboards are undesirable in applications where it is desired to minimize printer size.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The general object of the invention is to provide an improved printer that obviates the drawbacks of the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to employ an improved data entry technique in which a predetermined set-up time for inputting semi-permanent information is established so that a bitmap image of the semi-permanent information can be stored in the printer's initial settings. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer that only needs to be opened once and does not need to be opened every time information is printed as required for variable information.

Still another object of the invention is to have a limited keyboard for the generation of control signals to which the printer's processor responds differently depending on the operating mode of the printer. The purpose is to provide printers.

[Means to solve the problem]

The printer of the present invention includes a keyboard or the like operable by the user for inputting at least one user command and data, a first memory for storing data representing information to be printed, and a printer power-up. or a processor for controlling storage of new data to be printed in the memory in response to receiving a user command within an initial predetermined time; A bitmap image of the information represented by the data input during the setup time is established in the second memory only once after the printer's power amplifier or initial setup.

The data representing the information to be printed is classified into three categories: fixed data, semi-fixed data, and variable data. Fixed data represents information that does not change, such as a printer's serial number.

Semi-permanent data is semi-permanent data that represents data that can change but changes relatively infrequently, so it is more efficient to limit the time during which semi-permanent data is entered and stored in a printer. Since fixed data is only entered at one time, a bitmap image of semi-permanent information only needs to be established once after the data is entered.

This is contrasted with variable data, which represents frequently changing information, such as rate information. Variable data can be entered and entered at any time after the printer is initialized and ready to print.
A bitmap image of variable information is created each time variable data is input.

The printer of the present invention further has a limited number of keys on the keyboard (or keyband), the printer's processor responds to the actuation of one key in a first mode of operation, and the display, and the first for printing
control input of data into memory. In a second mode of operation, the printer's processor is responsive to actuation of this same key to control movement of the web of recording member relative to a printhead that prints information on the web of recording member. In order to enter data or control a display with such a limited number of keys, the printer of the present invention employs a circular data list stored in memory, in which one of the limited number of keys is used to input data or control a display. Scroll this data list by activating one of the buttons.

The above and other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 shows a printer according to the invention for printing information on a stamp such as that shown in FIG.

For detailed information on the mechanics of this printer, see Paul H. A. Minsche, Jr.
Although the present invention will be described herein with respect to a stamp printer, The present invention is also applicable to other types of printers that print characters in various fonts and formats on a web of recording members, such as desktop printers that print on hand-held labels or tags.

The printer has a thermal print head (TPH) 50 for printing information on a web of recording material, such as vapor stock, on which a stamp is carried, which paper stock is controlled via an interface 56 by a microprocessor 54. The print head 50 is moved relative to the thermal print head 50 by a stepper motor 52 . A bitmap image of the information to be printed on the stamp is transferred from static random access memory (SRAM) 60 of microprocessor 54 to a thermal print head (TPH).
) is connected to the thermal print head 50 via a controller 62 . This thermal print head controller is connected to the data bus 64.
and is connected to microprocessor 54 by control bus 66 .

The thermal print head 50 is powered by +24 volts DC connected thereto by a high voltage monitor 68. This monitor also converts the +24 volts from the +24 volt DC switching power supply 72 to a +5 volt level for use by the printer's logic. High voltage monitor 68 also detects emergency power loss and notifies microprocessor 54 thereof. The power on switch 70 is
AC power is provided to the +24 volt DC switching power supply 72 via an ink-lock switch 74 and a fuse 76, and the ink-clock switch 74 shuts off AC power to the switched power supply 72 when the printer is open. The printer further includes a thermal printhead switch 80, which is a mechanical limit switch that senses whether the thermal printhead 50 is being pulled away from the paper stock. If the thermal printhead is disconnected, thermal printhead switch 80 sends a TPH release signal to microprocessor 54. The microprocessor responsively controls a liquid crystal display (LCD) 82 through a driver 84 to display various prompts to the user, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The printer also has a stock sensor 86 connected to microprocessor 54 via an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 88. The stock sensor includes an LED and a phototransistor to provide position feedback information regarding the vapor stock to the microprocessor 54.

The information printed by the printer of the present invention is represented by three types of data: fixed data, semi-fixed data, and variable data. Fixed data represents information that does not change, such as a printer serial number 90, as shown on stamp 92 in FIG. Fixed data is stored in non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) 94 that is connected to microprocessor 54 via thermal printhead controller 62.

Semi-permanent data represents data that changes but changes relatively infrequently, so this is effective in limiting the time during which semi-permanent information is entered and stored in the printer. Specifically, the semi-permanent data represents information that is entered during the printer's safe-up mode, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Therefore, the semi-permanent data bitmap image only needs to be established once; during the setup mode, the semi-permanent information is transferred to the microprocessor 5 via the interface 56.
4 is input via a keyboard 96 connected to 4. As semi-permanent information is entered via keyboard 96, data representing this semi-permanent information is stored in NVRAM 94. Persistent and semi-permanent information stored in NVRAM 94 is then opened in static RAM 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the semi-permanent information printed on the stamp 92 includes the name of the city 97 and state 98 that identifies the mailing location, the zip code 99 of the mailing location, and the date 1.
There is 00.

Variable data represents information that changes frequently, such as for each stamp printed. For example, the amount of postage 102
and destination postal code 103 and its barcode display 1
04 is variable information. Data representing variable information to be printed on stamp 92 can be input at any time after the printer is initialized and ready for printing. Variable data is entered into the printer via automatic data entry device 106. This input device has its own microprocessor and scale for weighing the parcel for which postage is required and providing the postage amount to microprocessor 54. The automatic data entry device 106 further includes a keyboard for entering a postal code identifying the destination of the package, etc. Variable data is downloaded from the automatic data entry device 106 to the microprocessor 54. The microprocessor responds by establishing in SRAM 60 a bitmap image of the variable information represented by the variable data. As will be discussed below, the downloading of variable data from automatic data input device 106 to microprocessor 54 represents a request to print on a stamp.

Microprocessor 54 controls various operations of the printer in response to software stored in EPROM 108. In detail, this software is shown in FIGS.
In response to actuation of one of a limited number of keys comprising the keyboard 96, including the T-keys 1) and 2, controls different operations of the printer depending on the mode of operation of the printer. In the setup mode, the microprocessor 54 presses the NEXT, ENTER and SET keys 1)0.
~1) In response to the operation of 2, the LCD 82 and NVRAM
Controls storage of semi-permanent data within 94. LOAD
In the NEXT mode, the microprocessor 54
, ENTER and SET keys 1)0 to 1)2 to control the movement of vapor stock relative to the thermal print head 50.

When the printer is initialized, the microprocessor 54
controls LCD 82 to display a default display 1) 4 as shown in FIG. To enter semi-permanent data as detailed below, the user presses the SET key 1)2 during a predetermined time initialization or power-up of the printer to enter the cent-up mode. If the SET key 1) 2 is actuated within this predetermined time, the microprocessor 54 controls the LED 82 and the NVRAM 94.
Date information 100 represented by data stored in advance is displayed. If the user wants to change the date information 100, the user presses the NEWT key and presses the EFRO
Scroll through the cycle month data list stored in M 108. When the user briefly presses key 1)0, microprocessor 54 increments to the next month in the data list and controls LCD 82 to display the next month. However, if the user presses the NEXT key 1) 0, the microprocessor will quickly scroll through each month in the list until the selected month is displayed and the user releases the key 0 to save the selected month. To do so, the user presses the ENTER key 1) 1, the microprocessor 54 responds and displays the display 82.
Store the selected month displayed above in NVRAM 94 and move the cursor 1)6 to the next field representing the day of the month.0 A circular data list representing the day of the month is stored in EPROM 10B. The microprocessor 54 responds to actuation of the NEXT key 1)0 by scrolling through the circadian data list until the user presses the ENTER key 1)1. Cursor 1) 6 (ENTER key when pointing to day field 1) 1
In response to the actuation, microprocessor 54 stores the selected day information in NVARAM 94 and moves cursor 1)6 below the year field in the tens digit. This occurs in response to actuation of the NEXT key 1) 0.
Set by scrolling through the numeric data list from 9 to 9. [! When the NTER key is actuated, the microprocessor 54 memorizes the selected tenth digit of the year and moves the cursor below the year field of the ones digit. After each field of date information 100 is stored, the user responds by actuating the SET key 1) to scroll the numeric data list until the selected l digit of the year is displayed. According to
Display 82 increments to the next group of semi-permanent information, such as mailing location zip code 99.

The postal code 99 for the mailing location shown in FIG.
Set by actuation of NTER key iii. After the mailing location zip code 99 has been entered and stored in NVRAM 94, the microprocessor 54 increments to the next group of semi-fixed data, which is the name of the mailing location city, in response to actuation of the SET key, and the LCD 8
2 to display city information 97. Each character in the city information 97 represents one field, and this field is
It may be changed by scrolling through the alpha city cycle data list stored in EFROM 108. The city data list includes, for example, all uppercase letters of the alphabet and all lowercase letters of the alphabet, as well as some punctuation marks such as apostrophes, commas, dashes, periods, and exclamation marks, and can be used for any city. You can now enter the name of the person. Each field, ie the letter or punctuation mark forming the name of a city, is entered and stored in response to actuation of the NEXT key 1)0 and the ENTER key 1)1. S.E.
When T-key 1)2 is activated, LCD 82 is controlled by microprocessor 54 to display state information, ie, zip code 99. State information 99 is formed of two fields that define the state of the mailing location. The rotating data list associated with state information 99 and stored in EPROM 108, for example, contains only uppercase letters.

Each of the two fields related to state information is entered by pressing the NEXT key 10 and the ENTER key 1) as described above.
is input and stored in response to activation of the . When the SET key is actuated, microprocessor 54 controls LCD 82 to display the default display 1) 4 as shown in FIG. 3, signaling completion of the setup mode.

In the load mode of operation shown in FIGS. 8-1) and described in detail later, microprocessor 54
In response to actuation of the XT key 1)0, the paper stock is moved forward past the thermal print head 50. The microprocessor 54 responds to actuation of the ENTER key 1) 1 by moving the paper stock in the opposite direction relative to the thermal print head 50. The microprocessor 54 is S
Responsive to actuation of ET key 1)2 to set the position of the paper path as detailed below with respect to FIG.

When the printer is disconnected from the paper, or when the webber is out of alignment or out of sync, the microprocessor 54
will display a loading prompt on display 82,
Sends a signal to the user to open the vapor passage. Microprocessor 54 then causes display 82 to prompt vapor loading with a prompt message 122. This message instructs the user to press the NEXT key to load the vapor stock liner. When the NEXT key is pressed, the microprocessor 54 controls the stencil motor 52 to advance the vapor stock liner in a forward direction allowing the user to feed the liner into the liner take-up area. After the liner is loaded, the microprocessor 54 prompts the thermal printhead switch to close. Once the thermal printhead switch is closed, the microprocessor 54 causes the LCD 82 to display a prompt message 124 to align the vapor. Instruct the user to press the NEXT key 1) 0 to advance the liner onto the take-up spool. During this matching process, microprocessor 54
D 82 displays a prompt message 126 informing the user that a matching process is in progress. After vapor matching is completed, the microprocessor 5
4 is the default display 1 on display 82)
Display 4.

Microprocessor 54 controls the printer in accordance with the generated system flowchart shown in FIG. 12 as follows. When the printer is first powered up, microprocessor 54 initializes the printer at block 130. When the SET key 1)2 on the keyboard 96 is pressed within a predetermined period of printer power-up or initialization, the microprocessor 54 enters the setup mode at block 132 and causes semi-permanent information to be entered into the printer. At block 134, microprocessor 54 generates a bitmap image of fixed and semi-permanent data fields in SRAM 60 from data representing fixed and semi-permanent information stored in NVRAM 94.

Thereafter, microprocessor 54 enters standby mode at block 136. Automatic data entry device 106
In response to the variable information received from the SRAM 60, the microprocessor 54 processes the received information at block 138 and stores a bitmap image of the variable information in the SRAM 60.
and, at block 142, information represented by bitmap images of fixed, semi-fixed, and variable information is printed on the stamp. Then block 1
At 46, microprocessor 54 processes block 13.
At step 6, the process returns to standby mode. Standby mode 13
At block 140, microprocessor 54
In response to activation of the TEST key 150 (FIG. 3, etc.) in the self-test routine 1 as shown in FIG.
44 will be implemented. Thereafter, at block 146, microprocessor 54 returns to the standby mode at block 136.

The main unit software routine is described in further detail in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13, 12a and 12b. As discussed with respect to FIG. 12, when power is applied to the printer, microprocessor 54 executes block 1
At 52, the printer is initialized. block 154
At , microprocessor 54 executes subroutine RE
Call ADNVRAM and set the printer's sequential number, i.e. N.
Fixed data stored in VRAM 94 is transferred to SR
Read out to AM 60. At block 154, microprocessor 54 further reads various initialization values from NVRAM 94, block 156.
At block 152, microprocessor 54
It is determined whether the SET key 1) 2 was pressed within a predetermined time period during power-up or initialization of the printer.

If the SET key has been pressed, microprocessor 54 calls a setup mode routine at block 158, which is shown in FIG. If key 1)2 has not been pressed within a predetermined period of time as measured by microprocessor 54 in block 156, microprocessor 54
determines at block 160 whether the printer is ready to print the stamp.

If not ready, the microprocessor 54
calls a load/calibrate routine at block 162, which is shown in FIG. block 160
From or 162, microprocessor 54 proceeds to block 164 and calls a vapor calibration routine that aligns the vapor. Thereafter, at block 166, microprocessor 54 calls a fixed image establishment routine. This routine establishes a bitmap image of fixed and semi-permanent information represented by data stored in NVRAM 94 or SRAM 60, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. After the bitmap images of fixed and semi-permanent information are established in SRAM 60 at block 166, microprocessor 54
8 calls the default display routine and displays the LCD
82 to draw the default display 1)4. Thereafter, at block 170, microprocessor 54 determines whether the printer is off the vapor. Microprocessor 54 is block 17
0, the microprocessor 54 determines that the printer is off the vapor at block 172.
Block 1 calls the load/calibration routine at
From 70 or 172, microprocessor 54 determines whether thermal printhead switch 80 is open at block 174. If thermal printhead switch 80 is determined to be open at block 174, microprocessor 54 returns to block 160.

If the thermal printhead switch 80 is closed, the microprocessor 54 determines at block 176 whether a communication is received from the automatic data entry device 106. At 178, block 1 calls the communications interprelift routine shown in FIG.
From 76 and 178, microprocessor 54 proceeds to block 180 and determines whether a print request has been made. If so, at block 182 microprocessor 54 calls the stamp printing routine shown in FIG.

At block 184, microprocessor 54:
A busy routine is called to signal that stamping is complete at block 182, and a default display routine is called at block 186 to cause LCD 82 to display default display 1)4. Thereafter, at block 190, microprocessor 54 reads input from keyboard 96, and at block 192, key 1)
0.1) Determine whether any of 2 and 150 is pressed. If not, microprocessor 54 goes to idle loop 194 and returns to block 170 to detect vapor supply. If the NEXT key has been pressed, the microprocessor 54 at block 196 presses the NEXT key 1.
) Determines whether 0 is pressed, and if so, microprocessor 54 causes LCD 82 to display the contents of the accumulation register at block 198. Thereafter, at block 200, microprocessor 54 calls a key release wait routine, and at block 202 enters an idle mode and returns to block 168, displaying the default display 1).
4 is displayed on the LCD 82. microprocessor 54
determines at block 196 that the NEXT key was not pressed, as determined at block 204, but the test key was pressed;
Microprocessor 54 calls the self-test mode routine shown in FIG.

At block 208, microprocessor 54 calls a release wait routine and thereafter at block 21
Call unused routine at block 20 at 0
Return to idle mode at 2. If microprocessor 54 determines that test key 150 was not activated at block 204;
Microprocessor 54 returns to idle loop 194.

When the SETUP routine shown in FIG. indicate. Thereafter, at block 214, microprocessor 54 calls the setup key response routine shown in FIG. When the setup key response is called, microprocessor 54 executes block 22.
At block 8, it is determined whether the key consisting is pressed, and if so, at block 230 the microprocessor 54 determines whether it was the NEXT key 1)0 that was pressed. If the NEXT key is pressed, microprocessor 54 displays the next item in the circular list associated with the information displayed on LDC 82 at block 232. Then block 234
There is a delay for scrolling at , and the microprocessor returns to block 228 . block 23
If the NEXT key is not pressed but the ENTER key is pressed, as determined by microprocessor 54 at block 6, microprocessor 54 saves the current field value at block 238 and saves the cursor at block 240. Move the displayed group of information to the next field and obtain a circular list associated with said next field. Thereafter, microprocessor 54 delays for scrolling at block 234 and returns to block 228;
Measure whether other keys are pressed. If the SET key is pressed, as determined at block 242, microprocessor 54 returns to the setup routine.

When microprocessor 54 returns to the setup routine from the send-up key response routine after storing the date information, microprocessor 54 displays the LCD.
82 and displays the postal code information currently stored in the NVRAM 94. Thereafter, at block 218, the microprocessor 54 invokes the set amp key response shown in FIG. Number information can be placed in NVRAM 94. Thereafter, at block 220,
Microprocessor 54 controls LCD 82 to display city information 97 and calls a setup key response routine at block 222, thus allowing new city information to be entered and stored. When the microprocessor 54 returns from the setup key response routine after the city information has been stored, the microprocessor controls the LDC 82 to display year information at block 224 and thereafter at block 226.
Invoke the setup key response to change the year information. After the year information has been stored, when microprocessor 54 returns from the setup key response,
At block 227 the microprocessor returns to the system routine and at block 160 determines whether the printer is ready to print. As previously discussed, if the printer is not ready to print, microprocessor 54 executes block 162.
and calls the load/calibration routine shown in FIG.

When microprocessor 54 enters the load/calibrate routine shown in FIG. 16, microprocessor 54 determines at block 244 whether thermal printhead (TPH) switch 80 is open. If the TPH switch 80 is closed, the microprocessor 5
4 controls LCD 82 at block 246;
Message rLOAD-OPEN PAPERPATH
Display J. Thereafter, the microprocessor 54 again determines whether the TPH switch 80 is open at block 248 and, if so, proceeds to block 250 to control the LCD 82 and send the message rLOAD-PRESS Nf! χT TOLOA
D LINE! Display RJ. At block 252, the microprocessor 54 determines whether the NEXT key 1)0 is pressed and, if so,
The microprocessor 54 proceeds to block 254 and calls the load step routine.
82 and press the NEXT key 1) that pressing 0 will cause the paper to make a forward movement, and pressing the ENTER key will make a reverse movement of the paper, and when the paper is fully loaded press the SET key. Display a message to the user indicating that the button will be pressed. Then SET
In response to actuation of key 1)2, microprocessor 54
controls LCD 82 at block 256 and sends the message rLOAD-CLOSE PRINT HE!
Display ADJ. At block 258, microprocessor 54 determines whether TPH switch 80 is open; if switch 80 is closed, microprocessor 54 proceeds to block 260 and displays LCD
82 to send the message [LOAD-PRES
Display S NEXT↑OALIGN LABELJ. At block 262, the microprocessor
It is again determined whether H-switch 80 is open, and if so, microprocessor 54 returns to the load loop at block 263 and from there microprocessor 54 returns to block 250.

Microprocessor 54 at block 262 performs T
If the microprocessor 54 determines that the PH switch 80 is closed, the microprocessor 54 determines at block 264 whether the NEXT key 1)0 has been pressed and if so, proceeds to block 266. . At block 266, microprocessor 54
Control D82 and send message rBUsY-AIJG
NMIiNT INPROGRf! Display SS J. Thereafter, at block 268, microprocessor 54 calls a paper movement cycle (PMC) calibration initiation routine to calibrate the paper as is well known in the industry.

After the paper proofing routine is complete, microprocessor 54 returns to the system routine shown in FIG.

When the system routine shown in FIG. 13 calls the Establish Fixed Image routine shown in FIG.
60 image memory portion is cleared. block 27
2, the microprocessor 54 has NVRAM
94 and calls the ASCII oven routine at block 274 to open the file. Thereafter, at block 276, microprocessor 54 sets up font and position variables for the serial number. These variables include characters per inch, character spacing, number of characters in a serial number, and character scaling. Thereafter, at block 278, microprocessor 54 calls a standard character establishment routine. This routine establishes a bitmap image of the serial number to be printed on the stamp from the font and position variables and serial number data stored in NVRAM 94. Thereafter, at block 280, microprocessor 54 stores NVRAM during setup mode.
94 to indicate the city and state data stored therein. Thereafter, in blocks 282, 284 and 286, microprocessor 54 executes steps 274, 276 and 27.
Repeat step 8 to create a bitmap image of city and state data. At block 288, microprocessor 54 indicates the postal code information identifying the mailing post office, and repeats the operations of blocks 274, 276, and 278 at blocks 290, 292, and 294 to create a bitmap of postal code information for the mailing post office. Open an image. At block 296, the microprocessor 5
4 indicates the date data stored in NVRAM 94 and entered during setup mode and blocks 27 at blocks 298, 300 and 302.
4. Repeat steps 276 and 278 to create a bitmap image of date information to be printed on the stamp. Thereafter, at block 304, microprocessor 54 returns to the system routine shown in FIG.

When the stamp printing routine shown in FIG. 18 is called by the system routine, the microprocessor 54
calls the 5AYBUSY (busy notification) routine at block 306 to set the print flag and the flano signals to the automatic data entry device that data is not available.

Thereafter, at block 308, microprocessor 54 calls the variable image establishment routine shown in FIG. 19 to establish in SRAM 60 a bitmap image of the variable information to be printed on the stamp. Upon return from the variable image routine, microprocessor 54 calls the print routine at block 310. This routine causes the microprocessor 54 to load the data stored in SRAM, a bitmap image of the information to be printed on the stamp, into the thermal print head 50 one line at a time while the paper stock The stenber motor 52 is controlled to advance the stamp, and information is printed on the stamp in this way. After completing the print routine call, microprocessor 54 clears the print flag at block 312 and returns to the calling routine at block 314.

As shown in FIG. 19, when microprocessor 54 enters the variable image establishment routine, microprocessor 54 stores the barcode and barcode human readable fields for the destination zip code in the image memory portion of SRAM 60 at block 316. clear. In this manner, a bitmap image of the new destination zip code information can be input into the image memory. Then block 3
At 18 , microprocessor 54 indicates the destination zip code data received from automatic data entry device 106 and stored in SRAM 60 . At block 320, microprocessor 54
The I-Oven routine is called to open the file, and at block 322, the microprocessor 54 sets up the font and position variables for the postal code barcode field. At block 324, a setup routine is called to generate a bitmap image of the bar code within the image portion of SRAM 60. At block 326, microprocessor 54 directs the destination zip code data entered from automatic data entry device 106 and stores it in SRAM 60. Thereafter, microprocessor 54 opens a file for the postal code data, sets up font and position variables for human-readable postal code shipping information, and stores a human-readable file in the image portion of SRAM 60 at blocks 328, 330 and 332. Establish a bitmap image of possible postal code destination information. At block 334, the microprocessor clears the charge field area of the image memory in SRAM 60 and points to the charge data at block 336. At blocks 338, 340 and 342, the microprocessor 54 opens the file for the charge data, sets up the font and position variables for the charge field, and opens a bitmap of charge information from the charge data and the font and position variables. Thereafter, microprocessor 54 returns to the printing routine shown in FIG.

When self-test key 150 is pressed, microprocessor 54 enters a self-test mode shown in FIG. Upon entering the self-test mode, the microprocessor 54 will
44, calls the SAY BUSY routine and sets the busy flag.

Thereafter, at block 346, the microprocessor 5
4 controls LCD 82 and rsELF TESTJ
Display messages. At block 348, the microprocessor 54 sets the rate data to r$0.00J, and at block 350 the microprocessor sets the destination zip code data equal to the zip code associated with the mailing post office.

At block 352, microprocessor 54:
As mentioned above, the variable image opening routine shown in FIG. 19 is called, and the bitmap image of the test data is stored in the SRAM 6.
Open within 0. Thereafter, at block 354, the microprocessor sets the 5ELFTEST flag;
Block 356 then calls the print routine shown in FIG.

Upon completion of the print routine, microprocessor 54 clears the 5ELF TEST flag at block 358 and returns to the system routine shown in FIG.

When microprocessor 54 enters the communications interprelift routine from the system routine as shown in FIG.
Determine if there is a receiver error. If there is a receiver error, microprocessor 54 sends a communication non-acknowledgement to automatic data entry device 1 at block 388.
06 and at block 390 the system
Return to routine. If there is no receiver error, microprocessor 54 proceeds from block 360 to block 362 and obtains the first character received from automatic data entry device 106. At block 364, the microprocessor determines whether the first character is the start-of-text character STX and, if not, proceeds to block 388 and sends a communication non-acknowledgement back to automatic data entry device 106. If the first character is a text start character, microprocessor 54 obtains the next character received from automatic data entry device 106 at block 366.

If the garment character is not an ENQ character as determined by microprocessor 54 at block 368, microprocessor 54 determines at block 370 whether three valid matching charge fields have been received from automatic data entry device 106. do. If so, microprocessor 54 executes block 37.
2, it is determined whether three valid matching zip code fields have been received from automatic data entry device 106. If, as determined by microprocessor 54 at blocks 370 and 372, three valid matching charge fields have not been received or three valid matching postal code fields have not been received, microprocessor 54 Return to automatic data entry device 106 in non-acknowledgement block 373, but if three valid matching fee fields and three valid matching postal code fields had been received;
Microprocessor 54 loads the rate/zip code acknowledgment transmission into the transmission buffer at block 374.

Microprocessor 54 initializes the transmitter at block 376 and sets the rate flag at block 378. Thereafter, at block 380,
The microprocessor clears the communication flag and returns to the system routine at block 390, from which it calls the print stamp routine to print the variable information received from the automatic data entry device 106 on the stamp. That is, receiving variable information from automatic data entry device 106 is a request to print on a stamp. If microprocessor 54 determines at block 368 that the second character is an ENQ character, microprocessor 54 determines at block 382 that the second character is an ENQ character.
, and the next three characters represent a request from automatic data entry device 106 for the value EAR in the accumulation register.
, LP, and ETX. If so, the microprocessor 54 loads the accumulation register value EAR into the transmission buffer at block 384 and initializes the transmitter at block 386 to load the accumulation register value EAR into the automatic data entry device 10.
6. Microprocessor 54 then returns to the system routine at block 390.

When microprocessor 54 receives an interrupt from automatic data entry device 106, microprocessor 54
The routine shown in Figure 2 is entered. At block 392,
Microprocessor 54 saves the registers and determines at block 394 whether a byte of information has been received from automatic data entry device 106 . If so, microprocessor 54 determines whether there are any receiver errors at block 396, and if there are no errors, proceeds to block 398 and saves the byte of information in the receiver buffer. do. At block 400, microprocessor 54 determines whether the received byte of information represents an end-of-text character and returns from interrupt if it does not. At block 396, the microprocessor
If it is determined that there is a receiver error, microprocessor 54 sets a communications error flag at block 402 and sets a communications receive flag at block 404.

Thereafter, block 406 disables the microprocessor receiver and block 401
Return from interrupt at . Blocks 404 and 406 are also implemented by microprocessor 54 if microprocessor 54 determines in block 400 that the byte of information in the receiver buffer represents an end-of-text character. Microprocessor 5 indicates that a byte of information is being received.
4 is measured at block 394, the microprocessor at block 408 determines whether the transmitted data
Measure whether a register is empty. If not, microprocessor 54 returns from the interrupt at block 408. If the transmit data register is empty, microprocessor 54
At 10, a transmit buffer pointer is acquired. Thereafter, microprocessor 54 determines whether the disable flag is set and, if not, loads the next byte of information into the transmit data register at block 414. block 41
After 4, the microprocessor determines whether the next byte of information was an end-of-text character at block 416 and returns from interrupt at block 401 if not. However, if it is an end-of-text character, microprocessor 54 sets a disable flag at block 418 and then returns from interrupt at block 401. Once microprocessor 54 determines at block 412 that the disable flag is set, microprocessor 54 proceeds to block 420 and determines whether the charge flag is set. If the charge flag is set, microprocessor 54 clears the charge flag at block 422 and sets the print flag at block 424. after that,
Microprocessor 54 disables the transmitter;
Then, in block 401, the process returns from the interrupt. If microprocessor 54 determines at block 420 that the charge flag was not charged, microprocessor 54 determines at block 426
to disable the transmitter and then return from the interrupt in block 401.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. That is, various modifications and changes other than those described above can be made within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 is a block diagram of the printer of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of a stamp generated by the printer shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a description of the default display and keyboard of the printer shown in FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the date data input display and keyboard of the printer shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the postal code data input display and keyboard of the printer shown in FIG.
Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the city data input display and keyboard of the printer shown in Figure 1, Figure 7 is an illustration of the state data input display and keyboard of the printer shown in Figure 1, and Figure 8 is an illustration of the printer shown in Figure 1. 9 is an illustration of the first load prompt display for
The second load prompt for the printer shown in the figure
Figure 10 is an illustration of the third load prompt display for the printer shown in Figure 1; Figure 1) is an illustration of the fourth load prompt display for the printer shown in Figure 1;
Illustration of the loading prompt display, No. 12
The figure shows the system operation of the printer shown in Figure 1.
Flowcharts, FIGS. 13, 13a and 13b are flowcharts for the main system routine of the printer shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 14 is a flowchart for the set amplifier routine called by the system routine of FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the setup response called by the system routine shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the paper load routine called by the system routine shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the fixed image opening routine called by the system routine, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the stamp printing routine called by the system routine shown in FIG.
8 is a flowchart showing the variable image opening routine called by the stamp printing routine, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the self-test routine called by the system routine shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the system shown in FIG. 13a. - A flowchart showing a communication routine called by the routine. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an interrupt routine for the printer shown in FIG. 50...Thermal print head 54...Microprocessor 56...Interface 60...Static random access memory
(SRAM) ・Switch ・Liquid crystal display ・Nonvolatile random access memory ・Automatic data input device + + +-+1

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) means for powering up the printer; means actuatable by a user for inputting at least one user command and data; and first storage means for storing data representative of information to be printed; and means for controlling storage of new print data in said storage means in response to a user command within a predetermined time of power-up of the printer. (2) printhead means operable to print information on a recording member web; means for moving said web relative to said printhead; and means for displaying information to be printed; means actuatable by a user for generating a control signal; and processing means for controlling a plurality of operations of a processor, said processing means for controlling said display means;
responsive to said first control signal in a first mode of operation, said processing means responsive to said first control signal in a second mode of operation for controlling said web moving means; A printer that prints on a recording material web.